Access the latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory for the week commencing 26th June 2023.
๐ Reporting indicates that Libya's newly appointed PM, Fathi Bashagha, threatens to shut eastern Libyan oil sites if Abdulhamid Dbeibah's government does not relinquish power. The escalation risks a new oil crisis in Libya, potentially causing significant global oil market disruption and exacerbating Libya's political instability.
๐ Meanwhile, the Port of Derna reopened after a 10-year closure, providing a much-needed economic boost to the city of Derna. The first ship, the Mohammed S, docked on June 24, 2023, carrying food and medical supplies.
๐ In the face of the political standoff and its potential effects on oil production, maritime operators should keep a close watch on the developments in Libya, despite the positive development at Derna.
๐ Within the Black Sea, Romania is considering giving local farmers priority access to the Black Sea port of Constanta during the harvest season, potentially restricting Ukrainian grain flow and impacting global food prices. This decision is prompted by concerns over port capacity and the effects of the Ukrainian conflict on local farming businesses.
๐ Additionally, the Black Sea region faces a significant threat from mines dislodged by the collapse of Ukraine's Kakhovka dam, following Russian shelling. These "butterfly" mines could potentially reach Black Sea beaches, posing danger to residents and tourists. The UN is working to locate and remove these mines.
๐ These developments warrant close monitoring by commercial maritime operators due to their potential impact on regional maritime operations and security.